President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed speculations of a rift with state governors over his administration’s push for local government autonomy across the country.

Following the Supreme Court’s landmark July 2024 judgment affirming financial independence for the nation’s 774 local government areas, many governors rushed to conduct local government elections. However, their body language suggested discomfort with the federal government’s move.

Addressing state governors who paid him a New Year homage, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Tinubu underscored the crucial role of governors in fostering national development. He emphasized that their leadership at the subnational level is key to achieving food security, economic growth, and national prosperity.

“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The federal government accounts for only 30 to 35 percent of allocated revenue; the rest goes to you. The agricultural value chain depends on you. You own the land, and the responsibility lies in your hands,” Tinubu said as reported by Citizens Reports.

He called for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to address pressing challenges, including local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stability.

Reaffirming his commitment to grassroots development, the president dismissed rumors of discord with the governors.

“We will not fight among ourselves. I will drive the change. You control your local governments. You can restore hope by fulfilling the people’s expectations at the grassroots level.

“There were rumors of disagreements on local government autonomy. That’s not true. Just focus on driving development at the local level. Nobody wants to take them away from you. But we need collaboration. Let’s work together to ensure Nigeria is better off for it.”

Tinubu urged the governors to prioritize agricultural development as a pathway to economic stability. “We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure our currency strengthens. Nigeria will achieve prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us,” he said.

He also commended the governors for the progress made in their states, urging them to take pride in their achievements. “There is no state we cannot visit and be proud of its development. We now have better allocations. Let me take the criticism; you enjoy the privileges. Together, we will build a nation we can all be proud of,” he said